MRF-Logo2019-Horizontal-RGB
Reoccurrence on finger pad
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Reoccurrence on finger pad

› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › Reoccurrence on finger pad

  • Post
    • February 19, 2018 at 8:31 am
    Gibsongirl
    Participant

      I couldn’t figure out how to update my profile, I ended up dx with stage unknown/likely stage 2 (first Dr did shave biopsy and WLE that did not get all the cells with no SN biopsy) and had 2 WLE with the last one removing and 8X5 inch section of my thigh. I was cleared after the last surgery in June 2017 when the pathology came back.

       

      Just like last time, bam. No changing mole, just a sudden black shiny dot that feels stiff to the touch appeared, this time on the pad on my left pinky finger. I uploaded the picture. It is the exact size, look and feel as the one on my thigh that resulted in 2 WLE, first being 2X4 inch removal unsuccessful, changes drs and the second was an 8X5 inch WLE that was successful.

      Im in a panic. I thought this was all over in June. Like my thigh I have zero doubt it is melanoma. Same reaction, that wasn’t there before. Tried to scrape it off thinking it was something stuck and then harsh realization.

       

      The extremely ironic thing is I found the initial one days before President’s Day 2017. Had my first surgery the Tuesday after. What does such an aggressive and soon reoccurrence mean? I have been extensively tired and bruising very easy lately. 

       

      Anyone ever have it on their finger? I can’t comprehend since they took most of my left thigh the last surgery. What happens on a finger? I’m sick. I’m 40 with a 7yo special needs daughter. 

    Viewing 0 reply threads
    • Replies
        • February 20, 2018 at 3:48 am
        Janner
        Participant

          1st, let's get the terms straight.  If this is melanoma, it is unlikely it is a recurrence.  It is more likely to be a new primary melanoma – totally unrelated to your previous melanoma.  A recurrence would mean this is related to your previous melanoma – that it had spread from that initial site.  And a lesion on your finger coming from a lesion on your thigh is pretty unrealistic unless you have melanoma "inbetween".   (This time, insist on a biopsy that will not compromise staging!)

          So a new primary — if indeed this is melanoma — is staged independently of your previous melanoma.  As for what happens with a WLE, just wait until you know for certain what it is.  I've been certain I had a new primary only to find I was wrong — and I've had 3.  I've had 3 independent primaries – stage 1a, stage 1b and in situ.  So my general staging is the worse of the three – 1b.  Hang in there and get a biopsy soon!

            • February 20, 2018 at 7:23 am
            Gibsongirl
            Participant

              Great point, it’s just so odd that it grew exactly like the one on my thigh. Within 2 weeks it wrecked havoc, my left thigh looks like I got attacked by a shark and this was the same exact scenario. It’s black and shiny just like the first one that popped up. I have 50+ moles and a family hx but ironically all suspicious moles throughout my life have came back at worst atypical. The lesion on my thigh grew within 2 weeks the exact same size and speed. Unfortunately it grew in depth very fast also. I guess I’m just panicked because there isn’t much tissue to remove on a finger pad. As tiny as this is, the same size on my leg was unofficially staged as 2. The final report said unable to be staged due to original biopsy, most likely stage 2. We’ll never know if it’s stage 3 because the sentinel node was not identified by the first Dr and WLE.

              I’m going to the office tomorrow, with my history they’ll likely remove it with margins (the last nodule I had she went ahead and removed the margins instead of a biopsy and it was definitely a growing melanoma but in situ). 

               

              • February 20, 2018 at 8:26 pm
              Prd10
              Participant

                That looks like a blood blister to me but of course have it checked out.  A few things.  Melanoma on the finger pad is incredibly rare and its own subtype (acral lentingenous) and unrelated to your previous melanoma.  Also, just so you are prepared, there's no easy way to cut on the finger.  I hope they can give you some answers tomorrow. Hoping for the best.  

                • February 25, 2018 at 10:04 pm
                Gibsongirl
                Participant

                  I did go to my Dr the next day at the melanoma clinic. Having a punch biopsy Wednesday morning. The good news is it is very thin, enlarged it appears superficial. The subtype wouldn’t be what I have, just another lesion in an odd spot. I am familiar with the subtype you mentioned. 

            Viewing 0 reply threads

            Tagged: 

            • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
            About the MRF Patient Forum

            The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

            The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.

            Popular Topics